Fort Smith vs Springdale: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Springdale, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Springdale, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,348 | $45,143▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.92 | $21.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,087▲ | $26,183 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,348▲ | $32,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,331 | $57,783▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,635▲ | $69,972 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Fort Smith and Springdale are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Springdale is $5,795 (14.73%). Springdale's median is -27.16% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $46,548,Springdale spans $43,789. Fort Smith has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springdale ($51,948 effective) pays 13.39% more than Fort Smith ($45,813 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,635)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Springdale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,143/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,948)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Fort Smith grew 17.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.4% growth in Springdale over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$31,664 (2024) → $37,110 (2025)
Springdale, AR
$31,456 (2024) → $42,576 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Springdale, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Fort Smith or Springdale?
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Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Springdale as a massage therapist?
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Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov